“Here We Come A-Wassailing”
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Lukas Ketner and Michele Bandini
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Review By: Kendra Smart
Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4 brings readers the thrilling next chapter to this holiday escapade. Jeff Parker, Lukas Ketner, Michelle Bandini, Marcelo Maiolo, and Pat Brosseau have given a solid and fun seasonal adventure so far. But as the team’s join back together and we get an eye of Mrs. Claus. Readers are treated to another amazing cover by Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo. This one shows our rescue team and a ready to battle team up of the Claus clan. An astounding scene of action and a reminder that we are heading directly into a battle.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
As Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4 opens up, immediately we are drawn back to where we left off. Klaus and the Knight have a moment, one that leaves Santa wounded but with undeniably more knowledge as Knight is changing and becoming more solid. The marked heroes and Santa are shortly joined by Zatanna, Ulah, and the rest of those heroes that are unaffected by the Knight’s magic. They agree that it is time for the fight to be taken to the Knight’s castle.
But to take the fight to the Knight means that there are two battlegrounds that the hero’ s must occupy, so split down the middle they are, seven to fight the horde while seven take on the Knight’s castle, what they believe to be a source of his power. The tide’s are hanging as new information is brought to light and there are now many ways to tell that the final fight is on the horizon. But does fortune favor the brave and bright? Or will they just be moths drawn to the flame?
Do You Know What I Know?
Look, Metamorpho, Robotman, and Etrigan made this book hilarious. Ulah and Klaus, that whole lead up and reuniting was really well done and sweet, but the shenanigans of the aforementioned heroes made this book a delight. Their one liners and zingers had me giggling. Etrigan taking on the beast midway through? Look at the appalled faces, in all their exquisite detail, brilliant. The team creating this series had a LOT of characters to tackle. I really feel like they have done an amazing job, whether writing or art. Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4 was a blast from beginning to end, and there is still the finale to go, I am so excited!
Conclusion
Jeff Parker has outdone himself with this year’s magical mystical tale. With his story and Lukas Ketner, Michelle Bandini, Marcelo Maiolo, and Pat Brosseau bringing the art and letters to life, Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4 is perfection. A Christmas gift that will keep giving. Brava!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.